Coaching Techniques & Training Flashcards

A coach wants young athletes to understand a new skill quickly. Which teaching sequence is most effective?

Answer: Explain, demonstrate, practice, give feedback

The explain-demonstrate-practice-feedback sequence addresses auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.

Which practice design best maximizes athlete engagement and repetitions?

Answer: Small-sided drills with many touches per athlete

Small-sided activities increase touches and keep every athlete active.

What is the main purpose of a warm-up before practice?

Answer: To raise body temperature and prepare muscles and joints for activity

A warm-up increases blood flow and temperature, preparing the body and reducing injury risk.

Which type of feedback is most helpful to a developing athlete?

Answer: Specific, corrective feedback paired with positive reinforcement

Specific feedback tells athletes exactly what to keep or change.

A coach uses the 'sandwich' feedback approach. What does it involve?

Answer: Praise, correction, then encouragement

The sandwich method wraps a correction between positive comments.

Which is an example of a progressive overload principle in training?

Answer: Gradually increasing training demands over time

Progressive overload gradually raises load, volume, or intensity to drive adaptation.

A coach ends practice with a cool-down mainly to:

Answer: Gradually lower heart rate and promote recovery

A cool-down gradually returns the body toward resting levels and aids recovery.

Which coaching style involves athletes in decision-making while the coach guides?

Answer: Democratic/participative

A democratic style invites athlete input while the coach retains guidance.

During a game, a coach needs to give a quick instruction to a player. What is the best approach?

Answer: Use brief, clear cues the player has practiced

Short, familiar cues are easiest to process under game pressure.

Which of the following best describes 'deliberate practice'?

Answer: Focused, goal-oriented practice targeting specific weaknesses

Deliberate practice isolates specific skills with focused effort and feedback.

An athlete is nervous before competition. Which strategy should a coach teach first?

Answer: Controlled breathing and a consistent pre-performance routine

Breathing and routines are simple, effective tools for managing arousal.

What is the best way to set goals with athletes?

Answer: Use SMART goals, including process and performance goals

SMART goals with process and performance focus are within the athlete's control.

Which practice plan element should come first in a typical session?

Answer: Warm-up and dynamic preparation

Practices begin with a warm-up to prepare athletes physically and mentally.

A coach notices a team's energy dropping in the last 20 minutes of practice. What is the best adjustment?

Answer: Shorten drills, vary activities, and include breaks

Variety and planned breaks sustain attention and quality of work.

Which energy system primarily fuels a 100-meter sprint?

Answer: ATP-PC (phosphagen) system

Short, maximal efforts under about 10 seconds rely mainly on the ATP-PC system.

Why is hydration planning important in practice?

Answer: Even mild dehydration can reduce performance and raise heat-illness risk

Dehydration impairs performance and increases the risk of heat-related illness.

What does the principle of specificity state?

Answer: Training adaptations are specific to the type of training performed

The body adapts specifically to the demands placed upon it.

Periodization in a training year means:

Answer: Dividing training into phases with varied volume and intensity

Periodization organizes training into cycles to peak at the right time and manage fatigue.

Which sign most strongly suggests an athlete is overtraining?

Answer: Persistent fatigue, declining performance, and elevated resting heart rate

Overtraining shows up as chronic fatigue, performance drops, and physiological changes.

When coaching youth athletes, which approach to strength training is generally recommended?

Answer: Supervised, technique-focused training with appropriate loads

Youth strength work should emphasize proper technique under qualified supervision.